Don't know the first thing about streaming?

Why should you compare streaming providers? For a long time, Australians have been paying through the nose for their news, sport and entertainment. With new players on the block like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, accessing premium entertainment is easier and more affordable than ever. Comparing what each service offers and how much it costs could save you a fortune in the long run.

What do I need to compare?

The price of the service

The content on offer

The streaming quality supplied

The devices that are supported

There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider but it essentially boils down a few comparable factors: price, content, quality and compatible devices.

That's just the start. Which services offer a free trial? Which services have a lock-in contract?

We've done the hard yards for you and answered all those questions and more in the table below.

If you'd like to dig a little deeper we answer some commonly asked questions and explain why streaming is taking over further down the page.

The Pop pack includes premium HBO drama like Westworld and Game of Thrones and Foxtel Originals like Picnic at Hanging Rock. Lifestyle includes popular TV shows like Gogglebox Australian and Selling Houses Australia.

No lock-in contract. *Min cost $125 on direct debit for 1 mth incl. install fee. *Min cost based on Platinum HD with an iQ4 & includes $100 install fee. Not available to all homes. Offer ends 13.10.18.

What is Internet TV and streaming exactly?

Internet Television is televised content that is delivered to all sorts of connected devices, from personal computers to smartphones to video game consoles.

Also referred to as "IPTV' or "streaming", this technology enables viewers to watch television shows, movies, news and sport in real time over the Internet.

The streamed content is viewed through a website or native application that gives the viewer access to a live stream or library of television shows and movies.

With a steady Internet connection and compatible device, there is little difference from what traditional broadcast options offer.

I’m sold but I don’t know if I have the right equipment. Which devices can I use to stream?

This is a common deterrent for people looking to make the switch to streaming but don't worry, there are plenty devices you can use to stream Netflix, Foxtel and more. In fact, you’ve probably got one or two in your home already.

Computer

If you’ve got a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, you’re already halfway to streaming most major streaming services. Every streaming service in Australia can be accessed by the web browser you use every single day (with the exception of hayu).

Smartphone and tablet

One of the more popular devices to stream video on, smartphones and tablets allow you to binge TV shows, movies and news on the go. Most major streaming services are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and even offer offline viewing options so you don’t chew through your data.

Game consoles

Why fork out for a new television when you probably own a streaming-enabled device already? Game consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have native apps for Netflix, Stan and more. The 4K-ready PS4 Pro and Xbox One X also allow you to stream 4K/UHD content (when connected to a 4K TV).

Streaming media devices

If you’re not looking to fork out for a Smart TV, there is a huge selection of affordable streaming hardware options, like Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Fetch TV that will essentially transform your standard television into a Smart TV.

Understanding your streaming options

Why is streaming taking over? Convenience. While you can live stream TV shows and movies as they happen, the main draw of streaming television is the thousands and thousands of classic movies and recent blockbusters available with the press of a button.

The wide selection of compatible devices also means you don't have to wait until you're home on the couch to catch up on the latest news and premium TV shows. Streaming and Internet TV can be accessed from your office computer, from your smartphone on the commute home and when you get home, you can continue what you were watching on your Smart TV without missing a beat.

Streaming is also relatively cheap. For years, entertainment in Australia has been dictated by cable and satellite providers who charge upwards of $100 per month for the privilege of their services. Netflix, on the other hand, charges just $9.99 per month at its lowest tier and offers quality original content and options for HD and 4K (Ultra High Definition) streaming at its higher tiers.

Compare the differences in content, pricing and packages from Amazon Prime Video, Stan, Netflix Australia and Foxtel Now before you decide on one.

What are my options for streaming?

There are various ways you can view content over the Internet. Some are convenient but take a toll on your data while others take longer but allow offline viewing. Let us break down the differences.

These are providers that charge you on a monthly basis for their services. You get access to a range of TV shows and movies and there are different package options to select from. In most cases you'll need a reliable Internet connection with plenty of data to stream the content. Some notable players in the space are Foxtel Now, Netflix Australia and Stan.

While these services don’t offer live television, news or sport, there are dedicated streaming options to suit just about every need.

Free-to-air channels in Australia offer free online streaming services. Known as “catch-up” services, these include services like ABC iView and SBS On Demand and they are available on a variety of devices, like Smart TV, computers, smartphones and more.

These are companies that have developed their own streaming or download system and charge you for each item that you rent or buy including TV shows, movies and music. Some examples of this include YouTube, Google Play, PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.

Pay TV services like Foxtel and Fetch TV offer traditional satellite services with proprietary set-top boxes. These services usually come at a much higher cost than streaming services and incur additional fees, such as install and hardware costs. With that said, these services often have a streaming alternative, which is the case with Foxtel Now.

Which service has the most content and what can I stream?

Tables last updated January 2019. Notice something wrong? Get in touch.

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In the table below, we keep track of how many TV shows and movies are available.

Provider

Number TV shows

Number of Movies

Netflix

1617

3577

Prime Video

1285

4921

Stan

498

1600

Now that we've weighed up how each service compares, let's find that TV show you're looking for. Simply type the title of the movie in the search bar provided to track down where it is streaming in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

How is the content delivered to my device?

This is all well and good but how exactly did Daenerys and her dragons end up on my smartphone? While it’s not breathing fire or raising the dead, it’s still quite magical. Let us show you how it’s done.

Streamed videos do not need to be downloaded by the viewer, instead they are watched as the file is delivered to their device via the Internet. This allows for instant access but requires a stable Internet connection.

Different providers use proprietary technology to deliver the smoothest stream possible without any prior download required. With this method, movies, TV shows, music and video games can be accessed instantly without waiting for a download to finish. It’s this ease-of-access that has made services like Netflix the content delivery option of choice.

While streaming has taken the world by storm, downloading content still has its benefits. Firstly, once the TV show, movie or album is downloaded, it’s yours to access at any time whether you have an Internet connection or not. Effectively, you own the digital file, whereas streaming services allow you to access their library for as long as you pay for a subscription. Even then, content is regularly removed from streaming services so you are never guaranteed your monthly subscription will give you access to a particular TV show or movie.

People also like to take their entertainment on the road or abroad. Streaming can be expensive or simply not an option for those travelling so downloading before departing is their only option.

It’s worth noting that services like Netflix and Stan allow select titles on their services to be downloaded for offline viewing.

IPTV is the most common method used in Australia to stream TV. This is where the programming is delivered through the Internet using a broadband or other type of connection.

Streaming services, catch-up services and even traditional cable services almost all use IPTV delivery in one form or another.

This is where a television network broadcasts programming over the Internet at different times than normally scheduled.

More FAQ

More questions? You're not the only one. See what other people are asking.

A geoblock disallows certain content, like TV programming, to be viewed from other countries. It is able to track who is accessing a website from the IP address. Geoblocking is what is used by popular Internet TV service providers such as Netflix to make sure that an international service is not being used in Australia.

These are the laws which govern what content may be viewed from where. These rights vary depending on the restrictions the distributor has placed on the content as well as the country it is originating from. In some instances, broadcasting rights will allow for a limited online distribution of a movie or TV program or control when it is released. It is for this reason that many international television shows streamed to Australia are episodes, or even seasons, behind the country where the show is originating from.

In most cases, yes. You will need to contact your Internet service provider in order to find out which ones. For example, some companies allow for unmetered viewing of catch-up TV programming like that offered by ABC’s iView. With other providers that are metered, you should note that a 60-minute program can potentially consume up to 300MB of data.

Kindly check out this PAGE to compare streaming providers that would suit your needs. There are many things you need to consider before signing up with a streaming provider such as price, content, quality and compatible devices. While on this page, kindly enter your address to check if nbn is available and compare plans that you may apply for. It is best to contact your top 3 providers to seek further assistance on how you may apply for an internet plan for your home.

Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.

You can have a look on this page and compare your options for NBN plans. You may click on the provider to see more details then you may click on the ‘Go to Site’ button on the page to direct you to their official site and purchase the plan.

Since Optus has gained the EPL broadcasting rights, you might need to subscribe with any eligible account with them to watch EPL Football games, the easy way, inside Australia. You can also try using Smart DNS proxies or VPN to stream EPL games online if you want the complicated option.

Stan should work without issues on Foxtel Internet, so you could watch through a laptop, tablet or phone for example, or pick up a cheap streaming device such as Google’s Chromecast to send content to your TV. You’d have to check with Foxtel directly about switching from a full Foxtel connection+broadband depending on your contract status, but from a technical level there’s no reason that shouldn’t work.

I live in Wagga Wagga and am currently paying a lot of money for A Telstra bundle which includes platinum Foxtel. I mainly have for major sports coverages F1, Moto GP, Rugby. Is there another way without the lock ins and hopefully cheaper.

You could always opt for Foxtel Play. The minimum you will pay is $50 per month for the sports package and one additional package of your choice. Foxtel Play is month-to-month and requires no lock-in contract. Click here for more information on the service.

You’ve come through to finder.com.au. We compare Internet TV providers in Australia, but do not represent Netflix, Stan or Presto. Though, signing up with Netflix, Stan or Presto won’t take any longer than ten minutes if you have your credit card and personal details on hand.

Hi, I bought a t-box hoping to watch movies with digital quality audio, nope, no one could even tell me if their BigPond movies had digital audio. I would choose another streaming service if only someone could tell me which, if any service provided digital audio sound. The t-box does actually produce digital audio, when tuned to HD tv channels, ie; HD one or sevens 73 mate.

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